A Soviet collectible postcard from 1983 depicting the monument commemorating the reunification of Ukraine and Russia, opened in Kyiv in 1982.
What is shown on the postcard
The postcard shows the central composition of the monument: a giant rainbow-shaped metal arch under which two sculptural groups are installed. On the left is a bronze sculpture of two workers (Russian and Ukrainian) holding up a ribbon with the Order of Friendship of Peoples. On the right is a multi-figure granite stele depicting the Pereyaslav Council of 1654. Visitors are seen on the tiled square in the foreground under a clear sky.
Historical note
The construction of the memorial complex began in the late 1970s, timed to coincide with the 1500th anniversary of Kyiv and the 60th anniversary of the USSR. It was officially opened in October 1982 in Pioneers Park (now Khreshchatyi Park). The main authors of the project were sculptor Aleksandr Kovalyov and architects Sergey Mirgorodsky, Igor Ivanov, and Konstantin Sidorov. The arch was constructed from titanium sheets.
Present day
In April 2022, as part of decolonization efforts, the bronze sculpture of the two workers was dismantled. In May of the same year, the Kyiv City Council renamed the structure to the Arch of Freedom of the Ukrainian People. The granite bas-relief depicting the Pereyaslav Council is scheduled for dismantling, and the arch itself is illuminated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag in the evening.
Location (map)
Address: Khreshchatyi Park, Kyiv, Ukraine
Coordinates: 50.454639, 30.529833
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the Arch of Freedom of the Ukrainian People (formerly Peoples’ Friendship Arch) in Khreshchatyi Park, Kyiv.
Questions and answers
- When was this monument opened? The monument was officially opened in October 1982 to mark the anniversary of the creation of the USSR and the 1500th anniversary of Kyiv.
- Who designed this architectural and sculptural complex? The project was designed by sculptor A. Kovalyov and architects S. Mirgorodsky, I. Ivanov, and K. Sidorov.
- How has the monument changed in recent times? In 2022, the bronze worker statues were dismantled, the monument was renamed the Arch of Freedom of the Ukrainian People, and the arch is now illuminated in blue and yellow colors.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Kyiv from 1983.
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